Functionality and Clinical Correlates in TMD

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD); Functional Limitation; Pain Severity; Neck Disability; Quality of Life

• Registration Number: NCT06937502
• Lead Sponsor: Istinye University

Brief Summary

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are among the most common causes of orofacial pain and refer to structural and functional impairments related to the masticatory muscles, surrounding soft tissues, and/or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They negatively affect individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. The structural and functional impairments observed in TMD typically manifest as pain, restricted jaw movement, joint sounds, and muscle tension. In addition to these core symptoms, secondary issues such as chewing difficulties may also occur. Pain in TMD can negatively impact many orofacial functions, especially chewing. Functional impairment in individuals with TMD may result from pain, restricted jaw mobility, muscle tension, alterations in muscle activation, mandibular asymmetry, and morphological changes in the joint. These findings highlight the importance of addressing factors associated with functional impairment in individuals with TMD.

Pain severity is strongly associated with functional limitations of the TMJ and neck disability. Particularly in cases of muscular-origin TMD, significant impairments in neck muscle function and joint mobility have been observed. This condition directly affects jaw function and leads to a decrease in quality of life. The impact of TMD on quality of life is directly related to pain severity and functional limitations. As pain severity increases, limitations in daily activities and reductions in overall quality of life also increase. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach to TMD is essential for pain management, functional rehabilitation, and improving quality of life.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between functionality and pain, range of motion, neck disability, and quality of life in individuals with TMD. Understanding these relationships will form a basis for the effective management of TMD and improving individuals' quality of life.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-20
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-20
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-22
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-05
• Study Start: 2025-06-10
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-15
• Study Completion: 2025-08-10

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 62

Inclusion Criteria

• Voluntary participation in the study
• Aged between 18 and 55 years
• Diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and exhibiting at least one of the three main symptoms (jaw pain, limited mouth opening, and/or temporomandibular joint sound)
• A Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 or higher
• Pain score of 3 or above on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Exclusion Criteria

• History of complex surgery, trauma, chemoradiotherapy, and/or tumors involving the head and neck region
• Ongoing use of analgesics, anti-inflammatory or psychiatric medications, and/or substance abuse
• Significant tooth loss that interferes with chewing function
• Use of dental prosthesis
• Ongoing tooth pain
• Receiving any TMD-specific treatment prior to or during the evaluation period
• History of orthodontic treatment
• Diagnosis of disc displacement without reduction

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion Assessment	At baseline	Active range of motion (ROM) will be evaluated. A caliper will be used to measure maximal mouth opening. For this assessment, the participant will be instructed to open their mouth as wide as possible. The movement will be repeated three times, and during the third repetition, the distance between the upper and lower central incisors will be measured and recorded.
Pain Assessment	At baseline	The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pain. This scale includes numbers ranging from 0 to 10, where "0" indicates no pain and "10" represents the worst pain imaginable. The participant will be informed that the pain intensity increases along the scale from 0 to 10 and will be asked to mark the point that best represents the severity of pain they are experiencing.
Temporomandibular Joint Functionality Assessment	At baseline	The Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire (MFIQ) will be used to assess mandibular functionality. The MFIQ is designed to evaluate the patient's perception of mandibular functional impairment. It consists of 17 items, each rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with a total score ranging from 0 to 68. The questionnaire reflects the difficulty experienced during specific movements or tasks. Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment of the mandible.
Neck Disability Assessment	At baseline	The Neck Disability Index (NDI) will be used to determine the level of neck disability in participants. The scale consists of ten items, covering topics such as neck pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, driving, sleeping, and recreational activities. Each item contains six response options that assess the degree of pain and limitation. Scoring ranges from 0 to 5 for each item, with a total score ranging from 0 to 50. Based on the total score, disability levels are classified as follows: 0-4 = no disability, 5-14 = mild disability, 15-24 = moderate disability, 25-34 = severe disability, 35 and above = complete disability.
Quality of Life Assessment	At baseline	The World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) evaluates five main domains: general health, physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and environment. It includes parameters such as pain, sleep, energy (physical health); positive feelings, self-esteem, body image (psychological health); social support and personal relationships (social health); and financial resources, transportation, safety, and access to healthcare (environmental health). The scale uses a 5-point Likert system, ranging from "1 = Very Dissatisfied" to "5 = Very Satisfied." Higher scores indicate a better quality of life.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Istınye University, Istanbul,; 🇹🇷 İstanbul, Turkey